On a completely unrelated note, I think that Atraiu (I assume derived from Norse myth) would look right at home with a Trek 11 paintjob.
On a related note: What makes a good TNG ship are fluid lines, wide, powerful looking engines that imply they push the ship through space at breakneck speeds, and a sort of luxury look. I dunno about anyone else, but I got a cruise liner feel from the Galaxy when I first saw it.
I suppose if you were looking for reference material for design and backstory, later Range Rover models would be a great start. They look gorgeous, and barely work! There was always something going wrong with the Ent D, after all.

Seriously though, I think they convey what I was trying to get across perfectly. They're big, rough'n'tumble off-roaders but they do it in an attractive, luxury style, and are very cozy on the inside. Perhaps without giant highbeam space lights though.

Note to self: Download an Akula.